Archives for June 2007

“We’ve made a decision to go to July 1st,” Brisson told TSN.ca. “We haven’t closed the door on the idea of returning to Buffalo entirely, however out of respect to Darcy Regier and the organization we felt it was important to make our intentions clear.”

'“It’s exciting,” Briere said of free agency. “I’ve never been though it before. If it gets there, I just want to be around where it’s going to happen and where my agent’s going to be so we can deal with it directly and not over the phone, relaying messages. I want to be there when the offers come in.”'

'It is believed that both offers are for five years and that Briere's offer matches what he won in salary arbitration last season: $5 million. Sources say he turned down the offer. It is believed that Drury's offer averages no less than $6 million per season. Drury is represented by Mark Witkin.'

‘Briere traveled to Los Angeles, where Brisson is based, so he will have a more hands-on approach during negotiations. The trip also allowed Briere to escape the constant speculation regarding his and Drury’s status that has led off sportscasts in Buffalo all week.’

‘The Sabres tabled an offer to briere on Wednesday night. The offer is believed to be very similar to the package Briere tried to get Buffalo to agree to last summer — which was $25 million over five years.’

‘The NHL free agent market opens in four days, and it appears the Sabres are no closer to retaining either Chris Drury or Daniel Briere. An NHL source said Tuesday that Briere still has not received a contract offer, while Drury’s agent had no comment on negotiations (or lack thereof).’

'Channel 2's Adam Benigni spoke to Vanek's agent, Stephen Bartlett, who would not get specific, but did say his phone has been ringing. Any team could sign Vanek to an offer sheet as of Sunday. The Sabres would have the right to match an offer to Vanek, or get compensation in the form of draft picks if another team were to sign him away.'

‘WGR 550’s Jeff Morrison spoke with the agent for Forward Thomas Vanek, Steve Bartlett. The agent says that NHL teams could begin to speak with Restricted Free Agents today to discuss terms and/or money. No offers can be made until the July 1st deadline.’

'Mackenzie was regarded in scouting reports as a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman who moves the puck well, has quick feet and an accurate left-handed shot from the point. He has already committed to the University of Vermont.'

“I think do you go through that process, you really do go through everything you can creatively imagine that makes sense,” Regier said this weekend as the NHL entry draft wrapped up. “The more difficult thing in a situation like this, is that these things are no longer about one or two years.

'Schiestel was ranked as the 124th-best North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. There were also the Europeans and the goalies to consider. And the two teams that had shown the most interest — Tampa Bay and Detroit — didn't pick for another 17 and 30 spots, respectively.'